Happy New Year!

The year is almost over, and as we reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask all our patients:
what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2011? Do you
have a New Year’s resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve, from Dr. Boyd and the team!

Season’s Greetings from Dr. Boyd & Team!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at our Columbia, SC orthodontic practice reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening
presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to
getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays!

--Dr. Richard Boyd & Team

Ask Us: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Boyd will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Richard Boyd Orthodontics- Now the #1 Invisalign Provider in South Carolina!

Dr. Boyd and his staff have been creating beautiful smiles across Columbia, SC for over 25 years. New advancements in the technology of orthodontics, like Invisalign, mean that we can create beautiful smiles without the appearance of ordinary braces. Many of our patients, adults and teens included, wish to improve their smiles, but do not want their smile's appearance to change while undergoing treatment.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Boyd and his team have recently become the #1 provider of Invisalign in the entire state of South Carolina. We have helped many patients just like you achieve the a functional, healthy, and beautiful smile using the Invisalign clear removable aligner system. Call Dr. Boyd at either of our convenient Columbia, SC locations to schedule your complementary exam and consultation!

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, we will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving, from Dr. Boyd & Team

Dr. Boyd and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Happy Thanksgiving!

24/7 access to your account

At Richard Boyd Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located to serve Columbia, SC.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall, a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within the Columbia, SC area. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

What puts you at ease at our office?

Dr. Boyd and team understand not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about our Columbia, SC offices that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Boyd?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Smile wider, live longer

Folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. Boyd has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos lived to be an average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.
The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting our office for your orthodontic treatment? If not, give us a call!

A Great Braces Friendly Halloween Recipe

Our team know how tempting this time of the year can be on our sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we realize that it can sometimes be hard to find hard, chewy, sticky, and crunchy candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. This Spider Bites recipe is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this is a cookie that won’t bite back!

Spider Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 Tsp. salt
• ½ Tsp. baking powder
• 1 package black rope licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces**
• 1 small tube of white (or color of choice) frosting
• Toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs into the mixture and blend. Slowly mix in flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder using low-medium speed. Drop tablespoon helpings of mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and roll each helping into a ball.

Bake 9 minutes at 375 degrees. The batch should produce around three dozen cookies.

Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then using a toothpick, create four small holes in either side of the cookie. Still using the toothpick, push one end of a piece of the cut licorice into each hole, creating the “legs” of the spider. Once all eight pieces are in place, create eyes or decorate at will using the white frosting. Then eat and enjoy!

**Licorice can sometimes stick to braces; parents should monitor

Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Boyd is a certified Invisalign Premier provider in Columbia, SC. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call, or visit the wealth of resources on our website.

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists!

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give our office a call!

October Marks the National Orthodontic Health Month!

October symbolizes the transition into the Fall season and of course, Halloween! For Dr. Boyd & team, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and orthodontic patients around the country, October also marks the National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is a great time to remind patients of the importance of strong oral hygiene and a braces-friendly diet, especially since many of the sticky and sweet Halloween treats can be harmful to braces and other orthodontic appliances.

Candy remains a huge part of Halloween for tens of millions of American kids each year. The National Confectioners Association says 93 percent of children in the United States go trick-or-treating, and estimates candy sales will be higher this year than ever. Candy is not all bad in moderation, but can lead to big problems in excess! It can lead to tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, and delayed orthodontic treatment time due to broken or loose appliances and braces. Get the facts about Halloween candy and orthodontics by asking us! You can also learn more on the AAO’s National Orthodontic Health Month website. We also appreciate your help in spreading the word!

What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Boyd the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Dr. Richard Boyd, your Columbia Damon® System braces provider

Dr. Richard Boyd and our dedicated team are pleased to offer The Damon® System for our patients in Columbia and surrounding communities. Damon braces allow your teeth to move more comfortably and easily than traditional braces. Thanks to these innovative new braces, achieving your perfect smile will be faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

Now, you're probably saying, "Okay, Dr. Boyd. Give me the specifics on how Damon braces are an advantage."

Time-Saving

Damon's innovative technology of self-ligating braces saves you time in orthodontic treatment. The Damon system allows for fewer trips to our office, as well as faster movement of your teeth than with traditional braces. The light forces applied by Damon braces are "biologically compatible" meaning that they work with your body for gentler and quicker tooth movement.

Comfortable

Damon System braces have a unique slide mechanism that allows Dr. Boyd to use far lighter forces to move teeth to their correct positions. That makes your treatment not only shorter, but it is also far more comfortable.

Because of its unique sliding door, the Damon bracket allows us to use high-tech, light-force wires to achieve tooth movement. This means less pressure on your teeth for more comfortable treatment. Not every orthodontist uses Damon self-ligating braces. The reason Dr. Boyd does is simple: it means your experience in uncovering your radiant new smile will be more comfortable and convenient than ever.

To learn more about the Damon System, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyd, please give us a call at 803-708-7618. Enjoy the rest of the week!

Your turn! From Dr. Richard Boyd

By now, you probably know how this works: Week after week, our creative staff at Richard Boyd Orthodontics blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic treatment care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques we offer. This week, though, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have! We hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!

Share your experience at Richard Boyd Orthodontics with the world!

Dr. Richard Boyd and our talented staff have been creating beautiful smiles in the Columbia area for over 25 years! Combining experience with advanced education and personal care, our orthodontist and staff strive to bring you only the best orthodontic treatment options available in Columbia.

Whether you've visited Dr. Boyd's office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office has fared during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our office, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local listing and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Boyd create more beautiful smiles in Columbia and surrounding communities. Thanks in advance, and we hope you have a wonderful weekend!

You may write your review here.

Some fun facts about orthodontics, from Dr. Richard Boyd

At Richard Boyd Orthodontics, we know our patients love fun facts - LOVE THEM. After all, who doesn't? The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Boyd and our team thought you would enjoy. Have a great rest of your weekend!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

When are two phases of treatment necessary? Dr. Boyd has the answer

Usually patients in treatment at Richard Boyd Orthodontics already have their permanent teeth, but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. Dr. Boyd and our staff call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has his or her baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyd please give us a call at 803-708-7618.

Happy Monday!

Richard Boyd Orthodontics present: the importance of mouth guards

With summer here for another seven weeks, our team at Columbia's Richard Boyd Orthodontics would like to take this time to remind our athletes in treatment to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this August. Dr. Richard Boyd will always tell you that only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries when out on the field. The next time you're in for a visit with Dr. Boyd, be sure to ask him for a mouth guard, and we will provide one!

For more on the importance of wearing a mouth guard, please visit the American Dental Association. We hope you're having a GREAT summer!

“Hey, Dr. Boyd! Any truth to those rumors about braces?”

Dr. Richard Boyd and our staff know there are many myths circulating about orthodontists and orthodontics these days. But, before you buy into these myths, we think you should get the facts first! Our staff came across a great site recently that helps set the record straight - literally. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics, and we encourage you to check them out!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Richard Boyd Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call at 803-708-7618.

Happy Monday!

Thanks to Invisalign's clear aligners, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, please give us a call! Dr. Richard Boyd is a Certified Invisalign® Provider in Columbia.

Invisalign consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment. We hope you have a great week!

What are your summer plans?

It's summertime here at Richard Boyd Orthodontics, and that means another season full of adventures, vacations and great memories. Whether you're headed to a family barbecue, an exotic destination, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun this summer, Dr. Boyd and team want to hear about it! Share your plans and experiences on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along, and be sure to post photos on our wall!

Happy (and safe) travels,

Dr. Boyd and team

Ask Dr. Boyd: What's the deal with retainers?

If you recently completed treatment at Richard Boyd Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Boyd will provide—or probably has provided you by now—with retainers. After your braces have been removed, your teeth may still shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, provide that stabilization.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment, please check out these tips from Dr. Boyd and this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth. Or, you may give us a call! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

With Dr. Richard Boyd, quick and easy access to your account online!

Did you know that patients of Dr. Richard Boyd's enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Take a look at a few patient reviews about this service:

"We were able to check our appointment time easily, and we especially like being able to see the progress by viewing Abbie's initial pictures. The best feature, however, is the text reminder of her next appointment." ~ Denise P.

"I'm very computer friendly so online access to my orthodontist is great." ~ Latoya L.

"I compare how my teeth look, it is amazing to be able to compare. My mom likes it a lot because she can confirm my appointment, look at the financial information, etc." ~ Mary W.

"I like that Dr. Boyd is techno-minded and appreciates that this is the way most parents and all students communicate. He has invested in something that those of us that do most of our business over the computer appreciate. Because I work nights, I can ask my question without calling and get a reply." ~ Dan P.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started! We hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend!

Patient question: "I'm 42 years old - am I too old for braces?"

Of course not!

In fact, our staff at Richard Boyd Orthodontics recently read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually jumped 24 percent since 1996! It's true that braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great.

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Treatment with Columbia orthodontist Dr. Richard Boyd can be successful at any age, and we know that you adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Boyd would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation! Please give us a call to set one up!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Sleep disorders and treatment options in Columbia, from Richard Boyd Orthodontics

Columbia orthodontist Dr. Richard Boyd knows sleep disorders are fairly common, with some 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder. Some of these progress to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms of sleep apnea, and as the condition worsens it can lead to airway blockage, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, give us a call and our team at Richard Boyd Orthodontics can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist here in Columbia.

* Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
* Loud snoring at night
* Waking up at night short of breath
* Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
* Headaches upon waking in the morning
* Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
* Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

And dads? We hope you enjoy the rest of Father's Day weekend!

Dr. Boyd wants to know: what's on your reading list this summer?

With summer only a week away, some of us at Columbia's Richard Boyd Orthodontics have been thinking increasingly about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easier to go play ball with friends or kick back and watch television, but reading during the summer is a vital step in you being prepared for classes in the fall, as well as maintaining your skill level.

What's on YOUR summer reading list? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (and Dr. Boyd) would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian here in Columbia for some ideas or check out various summer reading lists that we came across today.

Happy reading!

The Damon® System at Richard Boyd Orthodontics: What's the advantage?

Probably the biggest advantage of Damon braces over traditional brackets is the amount of time and effort involved. Dr. Richard Boyd can often cut months off of the total treatment time for our wonderful patients using the Damon System, and less visits to our office are necessary to make adjustments.

In addition, the Damon System brackets are:

• Cleaner: Damon brackets don’t have the elastic of traditional brackets, and are less prone to all the plaque buildup that your dentist warns you about!
• Discreet: Damon braces are smaller and have fewer parts than traditional brackets, making them less noticeable and more comfortable.
• No tightening: With the Damon system, Richard Boyd Orthodontics can position your teeth and avoid frequent adjustments. This also reduces the need for complicated tooth extractions or surgery.

If you have been thinking about an orthodontic procedure, come see Dr. Boyd and our team for an assessment to see if the Damon System is right for you!

Ask Dr. Boyd: Why are straight teeth so important?

Some people wonder why Dr. Richard Boyd and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight, perfect teeth. It’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Richard Boyd Orthodontics can keep them healthier? Straight teeth tend to lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural pearly whites for an entire lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! At Richard Boyd Orthodontics, our team wants to give you and your family the best orthodontic care for the best smiles. It is our goal to provide patients with a positive orthodontic experience that is comfortable, effective, and most of all, fun!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call at one of our convenient locations to set up a complimentary consultation. Dr. Boyd can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

We hope you're enjoying your Memorial Day weekend!

Dr. Boyd at the AAO Annual Session!

Patients at Richard Boyd Orthodontics can feel confident they are receiving the best in orthodontic health care. Dr. Boyd's goal is to provide the most up-to-date technology and techniques using the best equipment possible. He is devoted to continuing education and furthers his learning through reading, attending conferences and continuing education courses across the country. One of those conferences includes the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session, which Dr. Boyd attended three weeks ago in Washington D.C.

We believe this is the most cutting edge event for orthodontics in the world. It features the best continuing education, best technology, and is a great way for us to bring the best treatment possible for our patients.

Isn't it great to know you have a complete dental expert in Dr. Boyd taking care of your perfecting your bite and smile?

What are patients saying about Richard Boyd Orthodontics?

Last week, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about our office. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Boyd and team love getting patient testimonials!

“He recommends to me what he would recommend to his own child.” ~ Latoya L.

“My daughter was extremely comfortable at the appointment. Everyone was extremely nice. I also had to bring my son along who was also very happy the entire time because he was able to play video games.” ~ Scott H.

“I am extremely impressed by the level of professionalism by all of the staff. The setup of the office, the organization of my first consultation, and meeting with Dr. Boyd was very thorough and efficient. I am really looking forward.” ~ Lauren R.

“Very professional, knowledgeable, friendly staff, nice office and best of all, I can already see a big improvement in my daughter's teeth!” ~ Jeffery S.

“Very friendly. There are not words to describe how wonderful and nice Dr. Boyd is. He is truly a real asset to the professional world.” ~ Janice T

What do you love about Richard Boyd Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Richard Boyd Orthodontics, our professional team and Dr. Boyd strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Dr. Boyd and our talented staff have been creating beautiful smiles in Columbia for more than 25 years! Combining experience with advanced education and personal care, Dr. Boyd and staff strive to bring you only the best orthodontic treatment options available.

Today, we thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Boyd? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting Richard Boyd Orthodontics for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Meet Our Orthodontist

Having practiced in Columbia all of his professional career, Dr. Boyd has earned the reputation of being one of the finest orthodontists in the area. His unique combination of experience, technical expertise and warm, personal approach to care has attracted people of all ages, satisfying patients and parents alike.

Dr. Boyd received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina in 1978 as a cum laude graduate. He then attended the Medical University of South Carolina where he attained his DMD degree as an honor graduate. To complete his education, he obtained his Master’s degree and specialty certificate in orthodontics at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Boyd is the author of several publications on orthodontics and has been the director of multiple courses teaching the art and techniques of orthodontics to colleagues in his profession throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and Canada. He has been a frequent guest lecturer for the American Association of Orthodontists as well as for the highly regarded Gorman Institute.